Students are back to school, but with school come challenges, and on top of that, navigating one’s mental health. As mental health needs rise across New York state, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource that students and parents can turn to.
Sept. 8 is 988 Day. 988 is a suicide and crisis hotline that was launched in 2022 — but local leaders expressed that it’s not just a suicide prevention hotline.
“988 has trained crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer connection and support to anybody who reaches out. This program has touched more than 23 million lives, 15 million calls, four million text messages and three million chats,” said Lauren Giannetti, the director of acute care of behavioral health services for St. Joseph’s Health.
The hotline has grown to help individuals with all types of mental health-related needs.
“If you’re going through depression or anxiety, or you just have feelings that you’re not quite sure what’s going on, 988 has trained therapists and counselors. They can help you through any experience, any emotion that you’re going through,” said Scott Herron, the executive director for NAMI Syracuse, the National Alliance of Mental Health. He says a person can call for their loved one, so for parents who have children in school who are experiencing mental health issues, he says 988 is a great resource.
“At least they have an immediate resource to call so they can talk to a trained therapist and counselor and get the support and help and maybe get the resources in town that can help them a little bit more,” said Herron.
When it comes to bullying, social media or just school in general, these can be stressors for students. RN supervisor for the mobile crisis at St Joseph’s Health Nicole Wise says support and access to care is a factor that plays in a child’s mental health.
“Sometimes it can be a lot easier for children to get care. Actually, with a lot of therapists being built right into the school, it’s really helpful for the child just to take their period to go to their therapy session,” said Wise.
Wise says it’s important for children to confide in a trusted adult if they feel something is wrong so they can receive the help and resources to be successful in and outside of school.
“Parents, I would just advise be supportive,” Wise said. “Listen, even if it’s just a quick check and, you know, throughout the day, like, how are you doing? Is anything bothering you or a quick check in at dinnertime. ‘How did your day go? Was there anything that you felt like you needed support with?’ Just being there and being present and listening to your child in a non-judgmental way can help save their lives.”
New York state reports that about 80% of 988 contacts are resolved through conversations with trained counselors and helping many individuals receive assistance before a crisis escalates.